Category Officer - Development Post

Job summary

The post holder will support the delivery of the Procurement Service for LYPFT and LCH and will be expected to deliver measurable savings from revenue expenditure to support Cost Improvement Programmes within specific procurement categories. The work involves the interrogation of procurement dashboards, monitoring of annual expenditure, obtaining and analysing tenders, and providing support to key stakeholders. The Post holder will be expected to ensure Procurement activity achieves best value for money based on whole lifecycle costs, while complying with all Trust financial procedures and Procurement Directives.

An important part of the role is building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders whilst identifying opportunities for improving value.

The post holder will be expected to be proficient on the Trust Oracle System, adhere to all local work instructions and understand and observe all relevant NHS, Trust and legal requirements relevant to the role.

This is a development role, meaning after meeting a series of pre-determined criteria (to be discussed should you be the successful candidate) then you will be developed into a Band 6 Category Lead post. This will be focused around building experience, knowledge, and skills in end-to-end tenders with increasing complexity, use of PCR15 and PA23 frameworks and contract awards, including accurate publishing of notifications and building compliant documentation.

Main duties of the job

The Category Officer will provide effective operational and professional support to the Contract Manager and Category Lead, contributing to the delivery of a high-quality, responsive and cost-effective Procurement and Logistics service for the Trust. The post holder will take an active role in supporting procurement activity, contract management, and logistics operations, ensuring compliance with Trust policies, standing financial instructions, and relevant NHS and collaborative procurement frameworks.

The Category Officer will promote the benefits of effective procurement practice by working collaboratively with managers, clinicians and other stakeholders, supporting the adoption of innovative and compliant procurement solutions that contribute to the Trust's strategic objectives and improved patient care. They will support and coordinate procurement and logistics activity delivered in collaboration with key partner organisations, including the Integrated Care System, NHS Supply Chain and regional procurement collaboratives.

The post holder will be required to communicate detailed information clearly and effectively, using tact, diplomacy and persuasive interpersonal skills. This will include engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and, where appropriate, supporting or delivering presentations to staff at all levels of the organisation.

About us

The Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is the main provider of Mental Health and Learning Disability services in Leeds. We also provide specialist inpatient services in York and some highly specialised services across the country. As a teaching trust with strong links to local universities, we are a centre of excellence for teaching, research and development.

There are many benefits of working for LYPFT including fantastic employee wellbeing support, 27 - 33 days annual leave, flexible working and remote working arrangements, the NHS Pension Scheme, coaching, support and opportunities for career development and training and education support alongside a range of exclusive discounts and payment schemes including for cars, extra leave days and more NHS Discount Offers.

We also have a bank department, offering variety of roles in nursing, allied health professions, healthcare support worker and administration clerical. Permanent employees are automatically added to bank.

Applicants should be aware that individuals requiring a visa to work in the UK, the Trust only provides sponsorship for registered healthcare practitioner roles(this does not include Healthcare Support Workers). This is an essential requirement, and the Trust is unable to offer you a role if you do not meet Trust requirements for sponsorship and Home Office requirements for a visa.

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Roseville Road

Leeds

LS8 5DR

Employer's website

https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

---

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Roseville Road

Leeds

LS8 5DR

Employer's website

https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

---